Ryanair has announced significant changes to its hand luggage policy and boarding procedures, set to take effect from 5th November 2025. The new measures will impact all travellers flying with the airline and include tighter restrictions on cabin baggage and a complete shift to digital boarding passes.
From this date, Ryanair will no longer accept printed boarding passes, passengers must have a digital boarding pass downloaded to a mobile device before arriving at the airport, as this will be the only accepted format for boarding.
Additionally, the airline has introduced stricter limits on hand luggage size. The maximum dimensions for a free carry-on bag will be reduced to 40 x 20 x 25 centimetres. Any bag exceeding these measurements will incur a surcharge, which is increasing from €60 to €70 per flight. This change places Ryanair among the most restrictive airlines when it comes to complimentary cabin baggage.
The airline stated that these updates are part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations and encourage passengers to purchase additional services, such as Priority Boarding. This service allows customers to carry a second, larger piece of hand luggage but must be booked in advance.
Compared to traditional carriers like Iberia or Air Europa, which allow cabin bags up to 55 x 40 x 20 centimetres free of charge, low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Vueling are tightening their policies, prompting many travellers to reconsider their options when booking flights.
Ryanair has warned that failure to comply with the new rules could lead to added charges of up to €100 or, in some cases, denied boarding. The airline strongly advises passengers to review the updated baggage policy before flying. As fare comparisons become increasingly nuanced, the cost of additional services like baggage and seating now plays a significant role in the final price of a ticket.
